A decision on whether an injunction will be put in place on the city of Youngstown to stop the reduction of battalion fire chiefs is expected to be made Tuesday.

The lawsuit was filed in December against the city by the State Employment Relations Board (SERB) to "seek an order reinstating the contractual status quo that existed between the City of Youngstown and the Youngstown Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 312."

The Union previously filed unfair labor practices against the city in September 2019.

SERB determined on October 31st that probable cause existed that the city had committed unfair labor practices.

Following the determination, the city and the union met with a mediator, but the issues could not be resolved.

Included in the court filings were complaints about deficient radio system.

The lawsuit alleges that two Battalion Chief positions would be cut when the positions became vacant to pay for the system's repairs. The lawsuit alleges that the number later increased from two to three.

Standing for the lawsuit comes from Article 9, Section 3 of the collective bargaining agreement that states: "The City agrees to furnish and to maintain in safe condition all tools, facilities, vehicles, supplies, and equipment required to safely carry over the duties of each employee."